Joy: Day 1
When we stop and think about it, there are a few moments in each of our lives that go a long way in making us who we are. For instance, your birthday is a big part of who you are and how you define yourself. Other moments come to mind-graduation days, wedding days, and becoming a parent. Each of these moments makes you into the person you are. Sometimes, these moments come to us on what we thought would have been a ‘normal’ day. We are going about our normal routine and then something extraordinary happens to us. It is one of those defining moments. This is exactly what happened to the shepherds near the village of Bethlehem on the night Jesus was born. They were going about their normal activities, watching sheep for another long uneventful night. They were caught up in a defining moment-not just for their lives but in all the history of humankind.
The angel’s message was simple enough, “Do not be afraid.” And who wouldn’t be a little scared at the appearance of a heavenly messenger, blazing with God’s glory, showing up in the dead of night? The next words of the angel were the words which would forever change the lives of those shepherds that night and an announcement that would change all history. “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people…a Savior has been born to you…” The angel’s news was indeed good and gave great joy-not just joy for those shepherds but for all people everywhere. God had come to save His people from their sin. How great our joy!
Prayer Focus: Thank God for a Savior whose birth was good news of great joy for all people everywhere. Ask God to minster to your heart the great joy of having a Savior, Jesus Christ.